A Joyous Start to the Year with Chinese New Year Celebrations and RSPB Birdwatching

January was been a month filled with culture, creativity, and connection as our residents and staff came together to celebrate Chinese New Year and take part in the annual RSPB Birdwatch. These two events brought plenty of smiles, delicious food, and engaging activities, making for a wonderful start to the year.

Welcoming the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and joy, and we embraced the occasion wholeheartedly. Our talented chefs, Lek and Laijesh, treated everyone to a fantastic Chinese-inspired feast, preparing a variety of traditional dishes that were enjoyed by all. The dining room was beautifully decorated with colourful lanterns, adding a festive atmosphere that made the celebration even more special.

In addition to the delicious meal, residents had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture through a special activity led by Sue, a visiting teacher whose outfit was coordinated in red to symbolise good luck and prosperity in Chinese tradition. Sue guided residents in learning how to write their names in Chinese which sparked lively conversations about different languages and traditions. It was a wonderful way for everyone to explore something new, and many residents expressed how much they enjoyed the experience.

Connecting with Nature Through the RSPB Birdwatch

Following our cultural celebrations, we turned our focus to the great outdoors—without even having to leave the home! Our in-house RSPB Birdwatching activity was a fantastic way for residents to connect with nature while staying warm and comfortable indoors.

The day was filled with many activities, including listening to bird sounds through interactive sound books, creating colourful collages of different bird species, and discussing the many birds found in our gardens and the local Kent area. Residents shared fond memories of birdwatching from their younger years, and there were plenty of relaxing moments as everyone enjoyed the peaceful sounds of nature.

Not only was this a fun and creative session, but it was also a great way to support overall well-being. Spending time engaging with nature—whether outside or through activities like this—can have a calming effect and bring a sense of tranquillity and joy to the day.

These moments of togetherness, discovery, and joy are what make our care home in Longfield such a special place to live. We look forward to many more exciting activities in the months ahead! To find out more or see what we can do for you or your loved one at Hazelwood, get in touch.